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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

I you don’t have the money to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra,
then you should visit this place, nicknamed Mini Taj Mahal. Just kidding.

Though both the Taj Mahal and Bibi ka Maqbara look similar
they are different in all ways.

Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad

We took a ticket at price of Rs.5 each to see the Maqbara.

This beautiful structure was built by Prince Azam Shah in
memory of his Mother Rabia-ul-Durani alias Dilras Banu Begum between 1650-1657
AD. She is the wife of Aurangzeb. The architectural brains and construction was
done by Ata-Ulla and Hanspat Ria respectively. This structure is also called
the Taj of the Deccan. It was constructed at a cost of Rs.6,68,203.70.

Minaret

The mausoleum is in an enclosed area and has four identical minarets
erected next to it and can be accessed by steps from all four sides. Next to it
is a beautiful garden.

The entire structure is made of marble and beautifully
decorated with carvings.

The grave is surrounded by marble which is beautifully
decorated.

The grave is flooded with currency notes which are offered there. I
too made my contribution to the same. No photography is allowed in the premises.

Interiors of the Mosque

There is no entry to the minarets.

Though Bibi ka Maqbara is around 400 years old it has still
survived time and weather. Some parts of the structure are being redone to
restore it to previous glory, but as we all know, we cannot match what was
constructed 400 years ago, but we can still try.

There is a mosque which is located next to it. It was built
by the Nizams of Hyderabad in 18th century. Basalt is used in the
construction of the Mosque. The interiors are truly beautiful, made-up of
pillars and corner pilasters all connected to each other by beautiful arches.
This area could accommodate around 377 people during Namaz.

Closer view of the Bibi ka Maqbara

I was finding it very difficult to gauge this structure. It
was a marvel to my eye, so beautifully done and inspite of the strong heat the
marble was cold. I could feel it on the palms of my hand. The technology used
by them to build such marvelous structures was truly amazing.

After viewing the fine carvings on the whole structure, I am
of the understanding that I would have been so difficult to make such carvings
on a structure so tall but they still did a fascinated job and a job so well
done that it has stood time i.e around 400 years from